Wallingford police officer suspended for excessive use of force

WALLINGFORD — Officer Joseph Smith was suspended for two weeks in October for excessive use of force, Wallingford police confirmed Saturday.

The suspension was related to Smith’s actions during a disorderly conduct and breach of peace incident on June 14, police said.

According to Fox 61, the incident involved Gary King. The state Judicial Department website lists a June 14 arrest of Gary Joseph King, in which he pleaded guilty to assault on a public safety officer, EMT, transit officer or health officer. That is a Class C felony.

King pleaded not guilty to use of drug paraphernalia, interfering with an officer or resisting arrest and to second-degree breach of peace, all misdemeanors. He was given a citation for possessing less than a half-ounce of cannabis, according to the court website.

He is scheduled to appear next in Superior Court in Meriden on Dec. 17.